Sports

Hot Topics:

Cervids of the century

One hundred years since reintroduction, PA's elk herd thrives once more.

By TYLER FRANTZ For the Daily News

Updated:
09/28/2013 05:33:52 PM EDT

A majestic wild bull elk puts on a display near Winslow Hill Viewing Area. This year marks the 100th anniversary of elk being restored to Pennsylvania.
(LEBANON DAILY NEWS TYLER FRANTZ)

There was a time when the native wapiti of Pennsylvania flourished. But by the late 1800's, habitat destruction and careless overharvest by early settlers drove a once-prospering elk herd to extirpation; that is, total elimination from the state.

It was a grim time of resource exploitation - a period of blatant disregard for the natural species that belonged to the forests and meadows of a pristine ecosystem. It was a time of desperation - one that called for desperate measures.

Fortunately, a fresh new agency surfaced to answer that call. It was a combination of concerned sportsmen, environmentalists and government officials who established the PA Game Commission in 1895, as a means to better manage our wild resources.

Upon inception, a young PGC immediately began tackling a host of pressing conservation issues; few of which pertained to elk. But in 1913, a special opportunity to re-establish a wild herd in the state became a possibility.

Yellowstone officials were looking for ways to reduce the national park's over-abundance of large cervids. One solution was to offer states in other parts of the country a chance to trap and transfer a portion of the growing herd for release within their own state boundaries. Pennsylvania opportunistically jumped on board.

Fifty head of Yellowstone elk were loaded into rickety railcars and shipped cross-country via train track to the north-central tier of our state.

Advertisement

Upon arrival, the railcar doors were slid open, frightened elk piled out into a foreign terrain and the Keystone State once again held claim to a resident elk herd.

But the majestic wapiti of the Pennsylvania timbers still had a long and rocky road before them. It would take many years for the elk to re-establish a stronghold within the commonwealth, and they'd require a bit of help for their eventual return to greatness.

"The recovery of elk in Pennsylvania is a conservation story for the ages," commented Joe Kosack, associate editor of PA Game News, who recently published a history of our state's elk herd for its 100-year anniversary.

"For several decades they struggled to hold on to their home ground in Elk and Cameron counties," Kosack explained. "But in the '70s, with about 80 elk remaining, an aggressive research program began to shed light on what was holding elk back. Habitat was the key - not to mention more funding to conduct further research, habitat improvements and land acquisition.

"With the assistance of Penn State, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and residents of Elk and Cameron counties, much good was accomplished for elk. A trap-and-transfer program in the late 1990s helped expand the elk range.

"So with an expanded home range and a burgeoning population, discussions started to develop about the possibility of holding the state's first elk-hunting season in nearly 70 years. This proved to be one of the best decisions the PGC could ever make on behalf of the elk.

"We began hunting elk in 2001, and since that time we have raised substantial funding through elk license drawings to support elk management. The future is bright for elk. The herd is now more than 800 strong."

The success of elk reintroduction to our state really is something to be celebrated. It was a long 100 years, but they've come a long way. The elk in their present state are a truly mesmerizing sight to behold - one every Pennsylvanian should experience.

Prime time for elk viewing is occurring just as you read this article, since this is the time of year when huge bulls bugle to court their eventual mates. Matched with the colorful hues of fall foliage, this spectacle of nature is simply breathtaking.

This year, the Game Commission has planned some special events to celebrate the elk's anniversary milestone. Driving tours of area State Game Lands are scheduled for the next three Sundays, beginning today.

Game Commission staff members will be available to meet with the public at the elk viewing areas near Benezette. A corral trap will be on display near Dent's Run and Winslow Hill, and the Elk Country Visitor Center is sure to have some wonderful programs as always.

But a big crowd favorite is the special interactive musical program to be presented Columbus Day weekend by folk singer-songwriter and environmental education teacher, Van Wagner. Van says his show is a combination of music, old photos, period clothing, stories, science, elk artifacts and more.

"Combining my love for the field of conservation with my profession as a teacher made an ideal fit for me to go on the road this fall helping Pennsylvanians learn about the story of elk in the Commonwealth," said Wagner.

"However, it is because I am a sportsman myself that I am able to help my audiences share in the pride of this story. As I researched, I found it was sportsmen who repeatedly stepped up to the plate to save this species and help it thrive.

"Sportsmen and women should really try to catch one of the scheduled shows because the show is all about them - sportsmen working together."

For a complete listing of special events, points of interest and viewing areas, visit pgc.state.pa.us and click on the elk tab that says "100th Anniversary PA Elk Restoration."

Join in on the celebration and help play an active role in the preservation of this incredible species. And if you've ever applied for an elk hunting license - thank you! This is a great reminder that our sportsmen's dollars are being put to good use.